Drowning Lawyer Lakeland
Compassionate Guidance for Families After Tragedy
- Experience with pool, boating, and open-water drownings
- Strategic case building under Florida’s negligence laws
- Guidance for families facing wrongful death and injury claims
- Free consultations to discuss your drowning case
Moody Law Fought for Melinda's Family “They've given us the best possible outcome.”
In this traumatic brain injury lawyer review, Melinda explains how Moody Law helped her after her son suffered a traumatic brain injury. She says the firm took care of the family's legal and medical needs while she stayed by her son's side. Melinda says she appreciates the way Moody Law was in constant contact until ultimately winning her case.
Contact Our Accident Lawyers Today
Our accident attorneys prioritize creating a trusting relationship with you from day one. Every case at Moody Law begins with a free consultation. If you live in Winter Haven or the surrounding areas and cannot make it into our Lakeland office, one of our personal injury attorneys is happy to meet you at home or in the hospital.
For your injury claim, you will not be charged a dime unless we win your case. Thanks to this arrangement, you can be sure that we have no interest in running up attorney's fees, and our only goal is your successful drowning lawsuit. Get in touch with a personal injury attorney in Lakeland, FL, today.
Helping Clients Just Like You Focus on Healing
“My husband and I were in a car accident. Drew Moody and his paralegal Samantha and the Bartow office staff were all professional, accommodating, easy to communicate with and gave clear explanations with details. We were pleased with their work and would highly recommend them.”
– Kim, 5-Star Review
Understanding Your Legal Options
Manslaughter
In very extreme situations, it may be the case that the party who caused the drowning was so severely reckless and negligent that they may be criminally charged. For example, if a boat driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, your lawyer could seek a manslaughter charge.
Swimming Pools
and Premises Liability Laws
The owner of a swimming pool can be liable in a drowning incident. Since a swimming pool is part of a property someone owns, premises liability laws often apply in drowning lawsuits. It is the obligation of any swimming pool owner to ensure their pool is safe.
There are different considerations for patrons of public pools, guests using pools on private property, and people trespassing at a pool:
- In public pools, invitees (patrons) are entitled to the owner ensuring the pool is well-maintained and repaired.
- For private pools, licensees (guests) are entitled to warnings regarding non-obvious pool dangers.
- Trespassers are owed nothing by pool owners, however, this lack of duty is waived if the trespasser is a child.
What Makes a Pool Owner Liable
There are some risks that are so obvious they do not apply in any of the above cases. These include slippery surfaces and diving from clearly dangerous heights. On the other hand, hidden obstructions can make the pool owner liable.
A number of other failures can also open up a pool owner to a drowning lawsuit. Examples include if:
- The pool owner failed to provide invitees with emergency safety equipment.
- Pool equipment is in a horrific state of disrepair and there is no warning to swimmers.
- A public pool does not provide sufficient and capable lifeguards they may be liable for drowning.
Common Types of Drowning Accidents
Swimming Pool Accidents
There are both federal and state laws regulating certain behaviors the owners of pools and spas must follow. One example is updating drain covers to modern standards, so they do not cause dangerous suction that in the past has led to the drowning of many children. Another example is a public pool whose lifeguards acted recklessly or negligently.
Boating Accidents
A large number of drownings occur at sea and involve boats, jet skis, wave runners, and other water sport vehicles. While some of these do occur through no fault of anyone involved, there are cases where someone was so negligent and reckless that they are liable for the drowning. An example would be a boat driver who ran over someone in the water.
“Highly recommend to anyone who wants first-class service.”
“Moody Law handled my case in a totally Professional manner. They explained everything and laid out the process in a clear/concise manner. They were always available to answer any questions. Debbie was fantastic. Would highly recommend Moody Law to anyone who wants First Class service.”
– Phil, 5-Star Review
You're Not Alone Drowning Accidents Are Shockingly Common
If you have a loved one who has been the victim of a drowning accident, you are not alone.
Death by Drowning
More than 4,500 Americans died from drowning each year between 2020 and 2022; roughly 500 more deaths annually than in 2019, according to the CDC. Children ages 1 to 4 faced the highest risk, with most drownings happening in swimming pools.
Non-Fatal Drowning
For every child who dies from drowning, another eight receive emergency care for non-fatal incidents. According to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), nearly half of these cases require hospitalization or further treatment, a rate significantly higher than for most other unintentional injuries. Non-fatal drownings can cause long-term health issues, including memory problems and learning disabilities.
Florida's Record-High
Child Drowning Deaths
The Every Child a Swimmer Law
In 2021, drowning deaths among Florida children hit an all-time record high. To combat this catastrophe, the state has instituted the "Every Child a Swimmer" law. This law mandates that starting with the 2022-2023 school year, public schools must provide swimming safety and education materials to students if their parents have not taught them how to swim.
The Red Cross states that swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning in children by 88%. If applicable, our accident lawyers will explore whether or not your child's school committed negligence by failing to abide by the "Every Child a Swimmer" law.
